I never thought I would be able to run a half marathon, and a couple of weeks ago, I actually partook in the 2015 Long Beach Half Marathon. I never thought I'd learn the lessons like I did running that race.
Let's just say I underestimated running through the strenuous 13.1 miles along the Pacific ocean. After the "3, 2, 1" was announced, I instantly heard thousands of footsteps taking off. I didn't even know what the trail was like. It looked a lot easier watching it bird's-eye view on television.
Here are the top five lessons that I learned in today's half marathon in Long Beach:
1. Do your research
I didn't know how to train; I didn't know people trained as they did. Until a day before the race, I learned that marathon runners taper their runs and follow a very specific plan before entering the race. Strategy is very important for marathon runners, as it allows them to set up a specific plan. I should have researched these methods prior to the race and actually prepared for it. Preparation is key.
2. Procrastination doesn't work for marathons
I continuously trained at a swimming pool, where I would swim intensely, I would lift weights, and even trained at a UFC kickboxing gym. However, I DIDN'T RUN. I was expecting to cram my runs last minute, and it did not work at all for the race. Procrastination may work sometimes, but should never be relied on.
3. No discipline = no progress
When pushing your body to run 13.1 miles, you must make lifestyle changes, changes that I didn't fully commit to. My diet was not as disciplined as it should have been. This stopped me from reaching my personal fitness goals that I had. Like motivational speaker Jim Rohn says, "Discipline is the bridge between goals and accomplishment."
4. Self Reliance and Self determination
Given that I am not a natural runner, I should have pushed myself more to complete each workout instead of cutting myself slack. Depending on yourself to make those types of decisions and push yourself are essential to success.
5. You never know/"The Finger"
I will never forget what a college counselor once told me. He told me a story that he was told when he was younger: there is always a finger going around in circles, pointing at people all over the world to make them successful in life. However, nobody really knows when the finger will point to you. All you need to know is that it will point to you, and when it does, you better be ready, because you don't get very many chances.
I learned these incredible lessons when on my run to finish the Long Beach half marathon, and they have really helped shape me as a person.
